4 Risks of Summer Heat and Your Pet

The summer heat is upon us now and this heat causes us and our pets to become uncomfortable at times. Whether at home, outdoors or traveling in a vehicle we need to ensure the comfort of cooling and hydration. Along with many of the discomforts of becoming to hot during this time of the year is the probability of picking up ticks, fleas and other insects such as mosquitoes. Ticks and fleas as well as other insects can cause various problems while the weather is hot and the animal spends any time at all outdoors.

Hydration

Hydration is essential, especially during the high temperatures that we endure during the summer months. This is also true of any type of pet you may have. You must ensure that your favorite companion has plenty of water to drink in order to receive and maintain the hydration it needs. While you are attending to the pets need for water make sure that you offer your pet enough to eat, since a lot of summer activity uses up a great deal of energy. If you notice signs of dehydration and overheating in your animal you can use water to cool it down. If the signs are severe take your pet to the veterinarian for any medical services it may require for the best of health.

Travel Safety

When you are traveling you want to be safe and secure, you need to do the same for your animal friend. For instance, make sure the pet is secure by using a pet crate or belting the animal in the seat. It is in the best interest of any animal to never leave it unattended in a vehicle for any amount of time. This is especially true during the heat of summer. This is of course, the ideal situation for the animal. However, if you do decide to leave your pet in a vehicle, even for a short time, do not leave it for any length of time. The temperatures of a closed vehicle can and will rise to those high enough to cause fatal results. When leaving an animal in a vehicle you should ensure that there is plenty of water to help ensure hydration.

Ticks and Fleas

Ticks and fleas are abundant during the hot summer months as are various other types of insects. These different types of insects can cause their own problems. Ticks and fleas are especially a concern since they feed on the blood of your pet as well as your own. Once on your animal they will begin to infest your home and vehicle if given the opportunity and left unattended. You will need to check for these insects daily during the summer. Upon finding any ticks you will have to remove them or have the veterinarian or a friend do it for you. You can find various types of remedies that are safe for pet use to control these pests.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are also blood feeders and carry their own health risks. After biting your pet it can cause it to become sick from heart worms. Heart worms can grow and thrive inside the body and can become fatal. Talk with your veterinarian for treatment or treat the animal itself for heart worms.